Tommy Paul is currently waiving the American flag high in Rome. Defeating some of the top competitors like Daniil Medvedev on his run for the title, the tennis star finally secured a position in the semifinals. While his quarterfinal victory over Hubert Hurkacz came just hours before his birthday, co-player and compatriot Frances Tiafoe came forward to boost his morale.

American ATP star Frances Tiafoe posted an adorable message on his Instagram. While it is the Italian Open semi-finalist’s birthday, Tiafoe shared a clip in which he can be seen embracing his compatriot. Along with the video shared originally by the official Instagram page of the BNP Paribas Open, the 26-year-old also wrote a caption that said, “Happy bday slim keep killing,” now just two wins away from his first title in Rome.

Only the 5th American in the semi-final in Rome since 2000 and in his third Masters 1000 semi-final, first on clay, TP has certainly been on a ‘killing spree’, which compatriot Frances Tiafoe rightly acknowledged!

Tiafoe and Tommy Paul have been walking on the road of friendship for a long time. However, besides sharing comments that act as proof of the mutual respect that they carry for each other, they also value the existing rivalry as well. Recently, Tiafoe’s girlfriend was also seen posing with Tommy Paul’s partner at the 2024 Stagecoach Festival.

While not only them but the love of their lives also tend to get along quite well enough, the adorable bond besides the on-court rivalry is clearly justified. As the 27-year-old looks forward to another intense battle against his Chilean opponent, it still remains to be seen if the friendly wishes help him secure a position in the finals.

Tommy Paul aims bigger than just surpassing Shelton or Tiafoe

Besides being a friend to fellow Americans on the tennis scene, Tommy Paul has always been firm with his goals as a player. On being asked about the names he wishes to surpass on his journey, the tennis star denied pointing at anyone in particular.

“I think we’re all pretty aware of our rankings and where we sit in the American race,” he said, admitting to the fact that every other American ATP star aims at being on top of the line. Expressing his goals for the ‘American race’, he added, “I mean that’s the goal for me, I’m not speaking for everybody, But for me, it [the goal] is not to be ahead of Ben, or not to be ahead of Tiafoe. It’s to be at the top of the game, be up there playing those guys in the finals of the biggest tournaments.”

While this comment makes it clear that the 27-year-old has no target in particular, it is obvious that he is well aware of the distinguishing factor on and off the court.